Apparatus for supercooling and method of making slush through supercooling

ABSTRACT

The present invention discloses an apparatus for supercooling and a method of maMng slush thrαgh supercooling which generate a supercooled liquid by supplying cool air and energy, control the state of the supercooled liquid, store and supply the supercooled liquid, generate slush by applying an external force to the supercooled liquid, maintain the state of the slush, and supply the slush.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an apparatus for supercooling and amethod of making slush through supercooling, and more particularly, toan apparatus for supercooling and a method of making slush throughsupercooling which can generate a supercooled liquid by supplying coolair and energy, control the state of the supercooled liquid, store andsupply the supercooled liquid, generate slush by applying an externalforce to the supercooled liquid, maintain the state of the slush, andsupply the slush.

BACKGROUND ART

Supercooling means that a liquid such as water is not transited to asolid but maintained in a high temperature phase, namely, a liquid phaseeven below a phase transition temperature to the solid. Water drops canbe supercooled in the natural state. In addition, water or beverages maybe incidentally supercooled in a general refrigerator. A freezing methoddisclosed under Japan Laid-Open Patent Official Gazette S59-151834 and afreezing method and a refrigerator disclosed under Japan Laid-OpenPatent Official Gazette 2001-086967 apply the supercooling principle tothe refrigerator. An electric field or a magnetic field is applied tofoods of the refrigerator, so that the foods can be maintained in asupercooled state below a phase transition temperature. An electrostaticfield processing method disclosed under International PublicationOfficial Gazette WO/98/41115 suggests various types of electrodestructures that can be used to supercool and thaw foods.

FIG. 1 is a structure view illustrating a refrigerator including adispenser disclosed under Korea Laid-Open Patent Official Gazette2001-0107286. The refrigerator 100 includes the dispenser 120 on afreezing chamber door 110. The dispenser 120 has operation levers 140and a support 150 on an cutlet unit 130.

FIG. 2 is a structure view illustrating a refrigerator including adispenser disclosed under Korea Laid-Open Patent Official Gazette2003-0050929. The refrigerator 200 includes the dispenser 220 on arefrigerating chamber door 210.

FIG. 3 is a structure view illustrating another example of therefrigerator including the dispenser. The refrigerator 300 includes afreezing chamber 310 and a refrigerating chamber 320. An ice maker 330is installed in the freezing chamber 310, and the dispenser 350 isinstalled on the freezing chamber door 340. A passage 360 is formed tosupply water to the ice maker 330 and the dispenser 350, and connectedto an external water supply source (not shown). A first valve 370, afilter 380 and a second valve 390 are disposed on the passage 360. Thefirst valve 370 controls water supply from the external water supplysource to the refrigerator 300, the filter 380 filters water, and thesecond valve 390 controls water supply to the ice maker 330 and thedispenser 350. On the other hand, the first valve 370 and the secondvale 390 are controlled by a control unit (not shown) of therefrigerator 300. The passage 360 includes a passage 361 for supplyingwater to the dispenser 350. Water flowing through the passage 361 iscooled by heat exchange with the freezing chamber 310, and dischargedthrough an cutlet 362 of the passage 361 or an cutlet 351 of thedispenser 350.

FIG. 4 is a structure view illustrating a slush apparatus disclosedunder Korea Laid-Open Patent Official Gazette 1998-076685. The slushapparatus includes a refrigerating cycle 410, a container 420 disposedat the upper portion of the refrigerating cycle 410, for making slush, ascrew 430 rotatably installed in the container 420, and a valve means440 for taking cut the slush. The slush apparatus makes the slush bysupplying cool air to the container 420 by using the refrigerating cycle410 and preventing the slush from being transformed into ice by rotationof the screw 430, and supplies the slush by using the valve means 440.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

Technical Problem

An object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus forsupercooling and a method of making slush through supercooling.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus forsupercooling and a method of making slush through supercooling which cangenerate a supercooled liquid by supplying cool air and energy, controlthe state of the supercooled liquid, store and supply the supercooledliquid, generate slush by applying an external force to the supercooledliquid, maintain the state of the slush, and supply the slush.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatusfor supercooling and a method of making slush through supercooling whichcan control a state of a supercooled liquid and/or a degree (softness)of slush made from the supercooled liquid by adjusting a supercoolingtemperature of the liquid.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatusfor supercooling and a method of making slush through supercooling whichcan maintain a state of slush made from a supercooled liquid.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatusfor supercooling and a method of making slush through supercooling whichcan make a supercooled liquid and/or slush by using a dispenserstructure of a refrigerator.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatusfor supercooling and a method of making slush through supercooling whichcan selectively supply ice, supercooled liquid and slush.

Technical Solution

In order to achieve the above-described objects of the invention, thereis provided an apparatus for supercooling, including: a supercooledliquid; a cool air supplier for supplying cool air to the supercooledliquid; and an energy generator for supplying energy to the supercooledliquid to maintain the supercooled state. The apparatus for supercoolingcan be formed as an individual apparatus, part of a refrigerator or partof a slush maker, which is not intended to be limiting.

In another aspect of the present invention, the apparatus forsupercooling includes an outlet for discharging the supercooled liquid.The outlet can be formed as an outlet of an individual apparatus forsupercooling, formed on a door of a refrigerator, or formed as an cutletof a container containing a supercooled liquid in a slush maker. It isnot intended to be limiting.

In another aspect of the present invention, the apparatus forsupercooling includes a valve for opening and closing the outlet. Bythis configuration, the supercooled liquid can be supplied to a cup or aslush apparatus.

In another aspect of the present invention, the apparatus forsupercooling includes a regulator for regulating a quantity of energysupplied to the supercooled liquid by the energy generator.

In another aspect of the present invention, the apparatus forsupercooling includes a panel cooperating with at least one of the coolair supplier and the energy generator, for controlling a temperature ofthe supercooled liquid. Here, the temperature of the supercooled liquidcan be controlled by adjusting the temperature or quantity of thesupplied cool air or the quantity of the supplied energy.

In another aspect of the present invention, the apparatus forsupercooling includes a phase converter for converting the supercooledliquid into a solid phase.

In another aspect of the present invention, the apparatus forsupercooling includes an outlet for discharging slush made by convertingthe supercooled liquid into the solid phase.

In another aspect of the present invention, the phase converter uses anyone of electric energy, mechanical energy and potential energy. Theelectric energy can be supplied by an electric igniter, the mechanicalenergy can be supplied by wings, and the potential energy can besupplied by a support separated from the outlet of the supercooledliquid at a predetermined interval.

In another aspect of the present invention, the apparatus forsupercooling includes a container for containing the supercooled liquid.The container can be formed as a container for generating and storing asupercooled liquid in a refrigerator, or a container for supplying asupercooled liquid to a container for making and storing slush in aslush apparatus.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is providedan apparatus for supercooling, including: a supercooled liquid; and aphase converter for converting the supercooled liquid into a solidphase.

In another aspect of the present invention, the apparatus forsupercooling includes an electrode for supplying electric energy to thesupercooled liquid to maintain the supercooled state. It is one of thepreferred embodiments of the present invention.

In another aspect of the present invention, the phase converter is oneof an electric igniter for applying an electric shock to the supercooledliquid, a wing for rotating the supercooled liquid, and a supportseparated from an cutlet for discharging the supercooled liquid at apredetermined interval.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there isprovided an apparatus for supercooling, including: slush made by phaseconversion of a supercooled liquid; and a container for containing theslush and maintaining the state of the slush. As known from thisconfiguration, the present invention includes an apparatus for keepingslush made through supercooling as well as an apparatus for making slushfrom a supercooled liquid. That is, the present invention includes anapparatus for making slush from a supercooled liquid (for example,supercooled watery plain Kimchi, supercooled fruit punch, etc.), andkeeping the slush.

In another aspect of the present invention, the apparatus forsupercooling includes a stirrer rotated relatively to the container.

In another aspect of the present invention, the apparatus forsupercooling includes an energy generator for supplying energy to thecontainer to make the supercooled liquid in the container.

In another aspect of the present invention, the apparatus forsupercooling includes a storing tank for storing the supercooled liquidto supply the supercooled liquid to the container.

In another aspect of the present invention, the apparatus forsupercooling includes a phase converter for phase-converting thesupercooled liquid into slush.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there isprovided a method of making slush through supercooling, including: afirst step for preparing a supercooled liquid; a second step for makingslush by converting the supercooled liquid into a solid phase; and athird step for maintaining the slush state.

In another aspect of the present invention, in the first step, thesupercooled liquid is prepared by supplying cool air and energy.

In another aspect of the present invention, in the third step, the slushstate is maintained by using a wing.

In another aspect of the present invention, to the second step, thephase conversion to the solid is carried out by applying an externalforce.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there isprovided an apparatus for supercooling, including: a passage throughwhich a supercooled liquid flows; and a phase converter for applying anexternal force to convert the supercooled liquid flowing through thepassage into a solid phase. By this configuration, the user can makeslush without a special operation. The slush means that the supercooledliquid is converted into the solid phase by the external force. Theliquid does not have to be water. That is, any kinds of liquids that canbe supercooled and converted into slush by an external force can beused.

In another aspect of the present invention, the apparatus forsupercooling includes an energy generator for supplying energy to thesupercooled liquid to maintain the supercooled state. Energy can besupplied to the liquid or the supercooled liquid in the form of anelectric field or a magnetic field. However, energy can be supplied invarious types (for example, ultrasonic waves, magnetrons, etc.) so faras it maintains a liquid phase below a phase transition temperature ofthe liquid. It must be recognized that the present invention includesthese types of energy.

In another aspect of the present invention, the apparatus forsupercooling includes a cool air supplier for supplying cool air to thesupercooled liquid. The cool air supplier is means for supplying coolair to lower a temperature of the liquid or the supercooled liquid. Thecool air supplier can adopt direct cooling (using refrigerant tubes) orindirect cooling (supplying cool air by using a fan). On the other hand,the cool air can be transmitted by radiation or conduction. For this, arefrigerator employs a refrigerating cycle including a compressor and acondenser.

In another aspect of the present invention, the passage includes anelectric field applied region. It means that energy is supplied in theform of the electric field. The electric field applied region can beformed in a refrigerating chamber side or a freezing chamber side. Theelectric field can be applied by supplying energy by forming electrodesinside or outside the passage.

In another aspect of the present invention, the apparatus forsupercooling includes a water tank disposed on the passage andcontaining the supercooled liquid. This configuration corresponds to athird embodiment of the present invention.

In another aspect of the present invention, the apparatus forsupercooling includes an electrode for applying an electric field to thewater tank.

In another aspect of the present invention, the apparatus forsupercooling includes an electric igniter for applying an electric forceto the supercooled liquid in the water tank. This configuration can formfreezing nucleuses so that the supercooled liquid can be converted intoa solid phase in the apparatus.

In another aspect of the present invention, the apparatus forsupercooling is a refrigerator including a refrigerating cycle, and thecool air supplier is the refrigerating cycle of the refrigerator.

In another aspect of the present invention, the apparatus forsupercooling is a refrigerator including a freezing chamber opened andclosed by a door, the passage includes an cutlet of the supercooledliquid, and the cutlet is formed at the door of the freezing chamber.This configuration corresponds to a first embodiment of the presentinvention. Here, the present invention is applied to the generaldispenser structure.

In another aspect of the present invention, the apparatus forsupercooling is a refrigerator including a freezing chamber which isopened and closed by a door and has an ice maker, and the door of thefreezing chamber includes an outlet region for discharging ice made inthe ice maker and the supercooled liquid. This configuration correspondsto a second embodiment of the present invention. Both ice and slush canbe supplied through the outlet region.

In another aspect of the present invention, the door of the freezingchamber includes a button for selecting discharge of ice and a buttonfor selecting opening of the passage. By this configuration, the ice,the supercooled liquid or the slush can be selectively supplied.

In another aspect of the present invention, the apparatus forsupercooling is a refrigerator including a refrigerating chamber, andthe energy generator is installed in the refrigerating chamber side.This configuration corresponds to a fourth embodiment of the presentinvention. That is, the energy generator can be disposed in any one ofthe freezing chamber and the refrigerating chamber.

In another aspect of the present invention, the energy generator isinstalled at a door of the refrigerating chamber.

In another aspect of the present invention, a valve for opening andclosing the passage is formed on the passage upstream of the energygenerator. This configuration make it possible to control supply of theliquid to the energy generator side, thereby stably generating thesupercooled liquid in the energy generator.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there isprovided an apparatus for supercooling, including: a passage throughwhich a supercooled liquid flows; a door having an cutlet connected tothe passage for discharging the supercooled liquid; and an energygenerator for supplying energy to the supercooled liquid to maintain thesupercooled state. By this configuration, the supercooled liquid orslush can be artificially made in a target state (supercoolingtemperature, slush state, etc.).

In another aspect of the present invention, the energy generator isformed on the passage, for directly supplying energy to the passage.Preferably, electrodes are inserted into a hose forming the passage.

In another aspect of the present invention, the apparatus forsupercooling includes a water tank disposed on the passage andcontaining the supercooled liquid, and the energy generator suppliesenergy to the water tank.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there isprovided a method of making slush through supercooling by using anapparatus for supercooling which includes an cutlet for discharging asupercooled liquid, the method including: a first step for supplying aliquid into the apparatus for supercooling; a second step for supplyingcool air and energy to the liquid in the apparatus for supercooling tomaintain the supercooled state; and a third step for discharging thesupercooled liquid through the cutlet of the apparatus for supercooling.Here, the method of making slush through supercooling essentiallyincludes the step for maintaining the supercooled state by supplying thecool air and energy in the apparatus, and the step for discharging thesupercooled liquid or slush through the outlet of the apparatus.

In another aspect of the present invention, the method of making slushthrough supercooling includes a phase converting step for converting thesupercooled liquid into a solid phase by applying an external force,prior to the third step.

In another aspect of the present invention, the apparatus forsupercooling includes a water tank in which the second step is carriedout, and the phase converting step converts the supercooled liquid ofthe water tank into the solid phase by applying the external force.

In another aspect of the present invention, the method of making slushthrough supercooling includes a fourth step for converting thesupercooled liquid into a solid phase by applying an external force. Itmeans that the supercooled liquid is converted into the slush afterbeing discharged from the outlet of the apparatus.

In another aspect of the present invention, the fourth step applies theexternal force to the supercooled liquid by using potential energy ofthe supercooled liquid discharged from the cutlet of the apparatus forsupercooling. For this, a support of a dispenser in which a containertaking the supercooled liquid is disposed is sufficiently separated fromthe cutlet to generate freezing cores.

In another aspect of the present invention, the second step suppliesenergy by using an electric field.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there isprovided an apparatus for supercooling, including: a storing chamber forsupplying cool air; a passage formed to lower a temperature of a liquidby the cool air of the storing chamber, on which an outlet fordischarging the liquid is formed; a door on which the cutlet of thepassage is formed; an energy generator positioned on the passage, forsupplying energy to supercool the liquid, the energy generator includinga regulator for regulating a quantity of energy to be supplied; and apanel formed on the door, for selecting a temperature of the supercooledstate. By this configuration, the supercooled liquid or slush can beartificially made in a target state (supercooling temperature, slushstate, etc.). The temperature of the supercooled liquid can becontrolled by adjusting the temperature or quantity of the supplied coolair, or the quantity of the supplied energy.

In another aspect of the present invention, the energy generatorincludes an electrode for forming an electric field, and the regulatorregulates the intensity of the electric field. It means that energy issupplied in the form of the electric field. An electric field appliedregion can be formed in a refrigerating chamber side or a freezingchamber side. The electric field can be applied by supplying energy byforming the electrode inside or outside the passage. The intensity ofthe electric field can be controlled by adjusting an intensity of avoltage or current.

In another aspect of the present invention, the apparatus forsupercooling includes a cool air regulator for regulating the cool airof the storing chamber supplied to the passage according to selection ofthe panel. The cool air is supplied by a refrigerating cycle.Preferably, the cool air is regulated by increasing or decreasing thequantity of the cool air supplied to the passage by using a fan.

In another aspect of the present invention, the apparatus forsupercooling includes a phase converter for applying an external forceto the supercooled liquid to convert the supercooled liquid into a solidphase before being discharged through the cutlet.

In another aspect of the present invention, the apparatus forsupercooling includes a support positioned at the lower portion of theoutlet at a predetermined interval to convert the supercooled liquiddischarged through the cutlet into a solid phase by potential energy.This configuration means that the supercooled liquid is converted intothe solid phase by its gravity energy. However, the supercooled liquiddischarged from the outlet is not always converted into the solid phase.That is, in case a predetermined external force is not applied, thesupercooled liquid maintains the supercooled liquid state according toits generation condition.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there isprovided an apparatus for supercooling, including: a container forcontaining slush made by converting a supercooled liquid into a solidphase; a refrigerating cycle for supplying cool air to the container;and a wing rotated relatively to the container.

In another aspect of the present invention, the apparatus forsupercooling includes a storing tank for storing the supercooled liquid,the storing tank being positioned to supply the supercooled liquid tothe container.

In another aspect of the present invention, the storing tank for storingthe supercooled liquid includes an energy generator for supplying energyto maintain the liquid in the supercooled state.

In another aspect of the present invention, the container includes anenergy generator for supplying energy to maintain the supercooled liquidin the supercooled state. The supercooled liquid is generated in thecontainer.

In another aspect of the present invention, the container includes aphase converter for applying an external force to convert thesupercooled liquid into a solid phase.

In another aspect of the present invention, the energy generatorincludes a switch for intercepting energy supply. It means that energyneeds not to be always continuously supplied. That is, when thesupercooled state is stabilized, it is not necessary to supply energyfor a predetermined time. Also, energy can be periodically supplied.

In another aspect of the present invention, at least a part of thecontainer is covered with an insulator.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there isprovided an apparatus for supercooling, including: a container forcontaining a supercooled liquid; a refrigerating cycle for supplyingcool air to the container; and a phase converter for applying anexternal force to the container to convert the supercooled liquid into asolid phase.

In another aspect of the present invention, the apparatus forsupercooling includes a stirrer rotated relatively to the container.

In another aspect of the present invention, the apparatus forsupercooling includes a storing tank for storing the supercooled liquid,the storing tank being positioned to supply the supercooled liquid tothe container.

In another aspect of the present invention, the container includes anenergy generator for supplying energy to maintain the supercooled liquidin the supercooled state. The supercooled liquid is generated in thecontainer.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there isprovided an apparatus for supercooling, including: a container forcontaining a supercooled liquid; a refrigerating cycle for supplyingcool air to the container; an energy generator for supplying energy tothe container to maintain the supercooled liquid in the supercooledstate; and a wing rotated relatively to the container, for rotating thesupercooled liquid.

In another aspect of the present invention, the wing stirs slush made byconverting the supercooled liquid into a solid phase. The apparatus forsupercooling includes a control unit for controlling rotation of thewing in the supercooled liquid state and the slush state, respectively.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there isprovided an apparatus for supercooling, including: a container forcontaining a supercooled liquid; a refrigerating cycle for supplyingcool air to the container; and a wing rotated relatively to thecontainer, and comprised of an electrode for supplying energy to thecontainer to maintain the supercooled liquid in the supercooled state.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there isprovided an apparatus for supercooling, including: a container forcontaining a supercooled liquid; a refrigerating cycle for supplyingcool air to the container; a wing rotated relatively to the container,for rotating the supercooled liquid, and stirring slush made byconverting the supercooled liquid into a solid phase; and a control unitfor controlling rotation of the wing in the supercooled liquid state andthe slush state, respectively.

In another aspect of the present invention, the apparatus forsupercooling includes an energy supplier for supplying energy to thecontainer to maintain the supercooled liquid in the supercooled state.

In another aspect of the present invention, the wing include anelectrode for supplying energy to the container to maintain thesupercooled liquid in the supercooled state.

In another aspect of the present invention, the wing is formed in a rodshape.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there isprovided an apparatus for supercooling is disposed closely to an cutletof the supercooled liquid, namely, on a door, for stably discharging thefragile supercooled liquid to the outside.

Advantageous Effects

In accordance with the present invention, the apparatus for supercoolingand the method of making slush through supercooling can generate thesupercooled liquid by supplying the cool air and energy, control thestate of the supercooled liquid, store and supply the supercooledliquid, generate the slush by applying the external force to thesupercooled liquid, maintain the state of the slush, and supply theslush.

In accordance with the present invention, the apparatus for supercoolingand the method of making slush through supercooling can control thestate of the supercooled liquid and/or the degree (softness) of theslush made from the supercooled liquid by adjusting the supercoolingtemperature of the supercooled liquid. According to the experimentresult of the present inventors, when the temperature of the cool air ismaintained constant, the temperature of the supercooled liquid can alsobe controlled.

In accordance with the present invention, the apparatus for supercoolingand the method of making slush through supercooling can maintain thestate of the slush made from the supercooled liquid.

In accordance with the present invention, the apparatus for supercoolingand the method of making slush through supercooling can make thesupercooled liquid and/or the slush by using the dispenser structure ofthe refrigerator.

In accordance with the present invention, the apparatus for supercoolingand the method of making slush through supercooling can selectivelysupply the ice, supercooled liquid and slush.

In accordance with the present invention, the apparatus for supercoolingis disposed closely to the cutlet of the supercooled liquid, namely, onthe door, for stably externally discharging the unstable supercooledliquid.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will become better understood with reference tothe accompanying drawings which are given only by way of illustrationand thus are not limitative of the present invention, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a structure view illustrating a refrigerator including adispenser disclosed under Korea Laid-Open Patent Official Gazette2001-0107286;

FIG. 2 is a structure view illustrating a refrigerator including adispenser disclosed under Korea Laid-Open Patent Official Gazette2003-0050929;

FIG. 3 is a structure view illustrating another example of therefrigerator including the dispenser;

FIG. 4 is a structure view illustrating a slush apparatus disclosedunder Korea Laid-Open Patent Official Gazette 1998-076685;

FIG. 5 is a concept view illustrating slush making in accordance withthe present invention;

FIG. 6 is a graph showing one example of an experiment result inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a structure view illustrating an apparatus for supercooling inaccordance with a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a structure view illustrating an apparatus for supercooling inaccordance with a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a structure view illustrating an apparatus for supercooling inaccordance with a third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a structure view illustrating an apparatus for supercoolingin accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating a method of operating theapparatus for supercooling in accordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 12 to 14 are exemplary views illustrating configuration ofelectric field applied regions;

FIG. 15 is a graph showing another example of the experiment result inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 16 is a structure view illustrating an apparatus for supercoolingin accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 17 is a structure view illustrating an apparatus for supercoolingin accordance with a sixth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 18 is a structure view illustrating an apparatus for supercoolingin accordance with a seventh embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 19 is a block diagram illustrating a method of operating theapparatus for supercooling in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 20 is a structure view illustrating an apparatus for supercoolingin accordance with an eighth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 21 is a block diagram illustrating the structure of the apparatusfor supercooling in accordance with the eighth embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 22 is a structure view illustrating another example of wings of theapparatus for supercooling in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 23 is a structure view illustrating an apparatus for supercoolingin accordance with a ninth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 24 is a block diagram illustrating the structure of the apparatusfor supercooling in accordance with the ninth embodiment of the presentinvention; and

FIG. 25 is a structure view illustrating an apparatus for supercoolingin accordance with a tenth embodiment of the present invention.

MODE FOR THE INVENTION

An apparatus for supercooling and a method of making slush throughsupercooling in accordance with the present invention will now bedescribed in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 5 is a concept view illustrating slush making in accordance withthe present invention. Referring to FIG. 5, a liquid 41 which is asupercooling object is disposed between electrodes 40. In a state wherecool air 42 is supplied, an electric field is applied to the liquid 41by using an AC power source 43. Therefore, the liquid 41 is not frozenbut supercooled below its phase transition temperature (for example,water at 0° C. under 1 atm pressure). It is know that supply of energysuch as an electric field interrupts hydrogen bonding of waterconsisting of oxygen and hydrogen, and thus water is not frozen. When anexternal force is applied to the supercooled liquid by a phase converter44, for example, when an electric force is applied to the supercooledliquid by an electric igniter, the supercooled state maintained by theenergy which is being applied to the supercooled liquid or the energywhich has been applied to the supercooled liquid (it means that thesupercooled state can be maintained although energy supply isinterrupted after a predetermined time) is disturbed by the force.Accordingly, freezing cores are formed, and the supercooled liquid israpidly converted into a solid phase, thereby generating slush. Here, atemperature of the supercooled liquid is changed from a supercooledstate temperature to a phase transition temperature. The slush stateafter phase transition is influenced by the temperature of thesupercooled liquid before phase transition (the temperature of thesupercooled state). If the temperature of the supercooled state is low(approximate to the phase transition temperature), the amount of ice inthe slush is relatively small (soft slush). Such a difference influencesthe taste of the user and the use of the slush. The temperature of thesupercooled state can be controlled by adjusting the temperature andquantity of the cool air supplied to the supercooled liquid. In case thetemperature and quantity of the cool air are constant, the temperatureof the supercooled liquid can be controlled by adjusting the quantity ofthe supplied energy (explained below with reference to FIG. 6). Theintensity of the electric field supplied to the supercooled liquid bythe AC power source 43 through the electrodes 40 or the quantity of theenergy can be regulated by a regulator 45. The intensity of the electricfield can be controlled by adjusting a supplied current or voltage.

The experiment result of the present invention will now be explained.

1. Installation of Electrodes and Container

Two electrodes having width and length of 100 mm were installed at aninterval of 200 mm. A container containing 1L of water was positionedbetween the two electrodes at a predetermined interval.

2. Supercooling

The above apparatus was put in a refrigerator having a temperature of−6.8° C., and an electric field of 40 kHz and 2 kV was applied thereto.As soon as the apparatus was put into the refrigerator, the electricfield was applied to the apparatus. After sufficient supercooling, thesupercooled liquid was converted into a solid phase by using an electricigniter for 1500V electric lighter. The result was shown in FIG. 15.

FIG. 6 is a graph showing one example of the experiment result,especially, correlation between the applied power and the temperature ofthe supercooled liquid. As shown in FIG. 6, the applied power and thetemperature of the supercooled liquid show almost linear proportion. Itmeans that, in the given ambient temperature, the set temperature of thesupercooled liquid can be controlled by adjusting power applied from anenergy generator.

FIG. 7 is a structure view illustrating an apparatus for supercooling inaccordance with a first embodiment of the present invention. Theapparatus 60 for supercooling includes a freezing chamber 61 and arefrigerating chamber 62. A freezing chamber door 61 a is formed on thefreezing chamber 61, and a refrigerating chamber door 62 b is formed onthe refrigerating chamber 62. A passage 63 supplied with water from anexternal source is formed at the freezing chamber 61. An energygenerator or an electric field applied region 64 is formed on thepassage 63. An cutlet 63 a for discharging water is formed at one end ofthe passage 63. In addition, a valve 63 b for controlling water supplyfrom an external water supply source (not shown) to the electric fieldapplied region 64 is formed at the other end of the passage 63. Thecutlet 63 a is linked to an cutlet unit 65 formed on the freezingchamber door 61 a, and an operating lever 66 for opening and closing thecutlet 63 a is formed in the outlet unit 65. An electric igniter 67which is a phase converter is installed between the cutlet 63 a and theelectric field applied region 64. Here, cool air is generated by arefrigerating cycle 68 disposed at the lower portion of the apparatus 60for supercooling, and supplied to the freezing chamber 61 thrash adischarge hole 68 a connected to the refrigerating cycle 68. The coolair can be supplied thrash refrigerant tubes (not shown) formed tosurround the freezing chamber 61.

A method of operating the apparatus for supercooling in accordance withthe present invention will now be explained with reference to FIG. 11.

When the valve 63 b is opened, water is supplied from the external watersupply source (not shown) to the passage 63. The water exchanges heatwith the cool air of the freezing chamber 61 and is supercooled withoutphase transition by the electric field type energy in the energygenerator or the electric field applied region 64. When the user pressesthe operating lever 66 by using a cup (not shown), the supercooled wateris discharged through the outlet 63 a. When the supercooled water isdischarged, the supercooled water is phase-transited by the operation ofthe phase converter or the electric igniter 67. The supercooled watercontained in the cup is converted into a solid phase, thereby makingslush. This operation is controlled by a control unit of the apparatus60 for supercooling which controls the refrigerating cycle 68.

FIG. 8 is a structure view illustrating an apparatus for supercooling inaccordance with a second embodiment of the present invention.Differently from the first embodiment of the present invention, theapparatus 70 for supercooling further includes a general ice maker 79.The apparatus 70 for supercooling includes a freezing chamber 71 and arefrigerating chamber 72. A freezing chamber door 71 a is formed on thefreezing chamber 71, and a refrigerating chamber door 72 b is formed onthe refrigerating chamber 72. A passage 73 supplied with water from anexternal source is formed at the freezing chamber 71. An energygenerator or an electric field applied region 74 is formed on thepassage 73. An outlet 73 a for discharging water is formed at the end ofthe passage 73. In addition, a valve 73 b for controlling water supplyfrom an external water supply source (not shown) to the passage 73, anda valve 73 c for controlling water supply to the electric field appliedregion 74 and the ice maker 79 are formed on the passage 73. The outlet73 a is linked to an cutlet unit 75 formed on the freezing chamber door71 a, and buttons 75 a, 75 b and 75 c for selecting discharge of ice,supercooled liquid or slush are formed at the upper portion of thecutlet unit 75. A support 75 d is formed at the lower portion of thecutlet unit 75, and a cup 75 e is positioned on the support 75 d. Anelectric igniter 77 which is a phase converter is installed between thecutlet 73 a and the electric field applied region 74. Here, cool air isgenerated by a refrigerating cycle 78 disposed at the lower portion ofthe apparatus 70 for supercooling, and supplied to the freezing chamber71 through a discharge hole 78 a connected to the refrigerating cycle78. The cool air can be supplied through refrigerant tubes (not shown)formed to surround the freezing chamber 71.

A method of operating the apparatus for supercooling in accordance withthe present invention will now be explained with reference to FIG. 11.

When the valve 73 b is opened, water is supplied from the external watersupply source (not shown) to the passage 73. The water is supplied tothe energy generator or the electric field applied region 74 and the icemaker 79 by the operation of the valve 73 c. The water is iced in theice maker 79 by the cool air of the freezing chamber 71, and supercooledwithout phase transition by the electric field type energy in theelectric field applied region 74. When the user puts the cup 75 e on thesupport 75 d and selects one of the buttons 75 a, 75 b and 75 c, theice, supercooled liquid or slush is supplied to the cup 75 e through theoutlet unit 75. If the user operates the phase converter or the electricigniter 77, the slush is provided, and if not, the supercooled liquid isprovided. One may think that, while the supercooled liquid is suppliedto the cup 75 e through the passage 73, freezing cores are formed andthe supercooled liquid is converted into the slush. However, inaccordance with the present invention, although the supercooled liquidmade by using the energy generator is supplied from the energy generatorto another container, the supercooled liquid is not converted into theslush according to its generation condition. That is, the phaseconverter serves to facilitate slush making and generate freezing coresfor slush making. Instead of installing the phase converter on thepassage 73, it is possible to position a support 73 e to form freezingcores by potential energy of the supercooled liquid discharged from thecutlet 73 a (for example, 20 cm, variable by the supercoolingcondition). This operation is controlled by a control unit of theapparatus 70 for supercooling which operates the refrigerating cycle 78.

FIG. 9 is a structure view illustrating an apparatus for supercooling inaccordance with a third embodiment of the present invention. Theapparatus 80 for supercooling includes a water tank 81 in an electricfield applied region. Except that energy is supplied to the water tank81 by using electrodes 82, the apparatus 80 is identical to theapparatus 60 of FIG. 7. As compared with the case in that energy isapplied directly to the supercooled water on the passage, supercooledwater is stably generated and supplied (refer to FIG. 11).

FIG. 10 is a structure view illustrating an apparatus for supercoolingin accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention. Exceptthat an electric field applied region 94 is formed in a refrigeratingchamber door 92 a, the apparatus 90 is identical to the apparatus 60 ofFIG. 7. In this case, a discharge hole 92 c positioned adjacent to theelectric field applied region 94, for supplying cool air supplied from afreezing chamber side 91 through a damper 92 b to the electric fieldapplied region 94 can be formed to lower a temperature of water below aphase transition temperature (refer to FIG. 11). By this configuration,the present invention can be applied to a refrigerator including adispenser in a refrigerating chamber. In this case, the electric fieldapplied region is preferably formed in the refrigerating chamber side.If the electric field applied region is positioned in the freezingchamber side, the passage of the supercooled water is lengthened. Thislong passage can make it difficult to control the supercooled water andslush.

FIGS. 12 to 14 are exemplary views illustrating configuration ofelectric field applied regions. In FIG. 12, a passage 2 passes throughan electric field applied region 1, and electrodes 3 a are formedoutside the passage 2. In FIG. 13, a passage 2 passes through anelectric field applied region 1, and electrodes 3 b are formed in a hoseforming the passage 2. In FIG. 14, an electric field applied region 1 isformed on a passage 2, a water tank 4 is formed in the region 1, andelectrodes 3 c are formed at the side of the water tank 4. Preferably,the electric field applied region is made of an electric insulator.

FIG. 16 is a structure view illustrating an apparatus for supercoolingin accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present invention. Theapparatus 60 for supercooling includes a freezing chamber 61 and arefrigerating chamber 62. A freezing chamber door 61 a is formed on thefreezing chamber 61, and a refrigerating chamber door 62 b is formed onthe refrigerating chamber 62. A passage 63 supplied with water from anexternal source is formed at the freezing chamber 61. An energygenerator or an electric field applied region 64 is formed on thepassage 63. An outlet 63 a for discharging water is formed at one end ofthe passage 63. In addition, a valve 63 b for controlling water supplyfrom an external water supply source (not shown) to the electric fieldapplied region 64 is formed at the other end of the passage 63. Thecutlet 63 a is linked to an cutlet unit 65 formed on the freezingchamber door 61 a, and an operating lever 66 for opening and closing theoutlet 63 a and a panel 65 a for allowing the user to select atemperature of the supercooled liquid to decide a state or degree ofslush are formed in the cutlet unit 65. An electric igniter 67 which isa phase converter is installed between the outlet 63 a and the electricfield applied region 64. Here, cool air is generated by a refrigeratingcycle 68 disposed at the lower portion of the apparatus 60 forsupercooling, and supplied to the freezing chamber 61 through adischarge hole 68 a connected to the refrigerating cycle 68. The coolair can be supplied through refrigerant tubes (not shown) formed tosurround the freezing chamber 61. A discharge hole 68 b and a fan 68 cconnected to the refrigerating cycle 68 are formed adjacent to theelectric field applied region 64. The quantity of the cool air suppliedto the electric field applied region 64 can be controlled by the fan 68c.

A method of operating the apparatus for supercooling in accordance withthe present invention will now be explained with reference to FIG. 19.

When the valve 63 b is opened, water is supplied from the external watersupply sauce (not shown) to the passage 63. The water exchanges heatwith the cool air of the freezing chamber 61 and is supercooled withoutphase transition by the electric field type energy in the energygenerator or the electric field applied region 64. When the user pressesthe operating lever 66 by using a cup (not shown), the supercooled wateris discharged through the cutlet 63 a. When the supercooled water isdischarged, the supercooled water is phase-transited by the operation ofthe phase converter or the electric igniter 67. The supercooled watercontained in the cup is converted into a solid phase, thereby makingslush. When the user selects the temperature of the supercooled water orthe state of the slush through the panel 65 a, the fan 68 c is operatedto control the temperature of the supercooled water. This operation iscontrolled by a control unit of the apparatus 60 for supercooling whichoperates the refrigerating cycle 68.

FIG. 17 is a structure view illustrating an apparatus for supercoolingin accordance with a sixth embodiment of the present invention. Theapparatus 70 for supercooling includes a water tank 171 in an electricfield applied region. Except that energy is supplied to the water tank171 by using electrodes 172, the apparatus 70 is identical to theapparatus 60 of FIG. 16. As compared with the case in that energy isapplied directly to the supercooled water on the passage, supercooledwater is stably generated and supplied. On the other hand, in the sixthembodiment, when a button 175 b formed on a panel 175 a is operated, thesupercooled liquid can be supplied to a cup 175 d disposed on a support175 c formed in an cutlet unit 175 through an outlet 173 a withoutoperating a phase converter 177, and the support 175 c can besufficiently separated from the cutlet 173 a to make slush by potentialenergy of the supercooled liquid (refer to FIG. 19).

FIG. 18 is a structure view illustrating an apparatus for supercoolingin accordance with a seventh embodiment of the present invention. Exceptthat an electric field applied region 184 is formed at a refrigeratingchamber door 182 a, the apparatus 180 is identical to the apparatus 60of FIG. 16. In this case, a discharge hole 182 c and a fan 182 dpositioned adjacent to the electric field applied region 184, forsupplying cool air supplied from a freezing chamber side 182 through adamper 182 b to the electric field applied region 184 are formed tolower a temperature of water to a set temperature below a phasetransition temperature (refer to FIG. 19). By this configuration, thepresent invention can be applied to a refrigerator including a dispenserin a refrigerating chamber. In this case, the electric field appliedregion is preferably formed in the refrigerating chamber side. If theelectric field applied region is positioned in the freezing chamberside, the passage of the supercooled water is lengthened. The longpassage can make it difficult to control the supercooled water andslush.

FIG. 20 is a structure view illustrating an apparatus for supercoolingin accordance with an eighth embodiment of the present invention. Theapparatus for supercooling includes a storing tank 101 for storing asupercooled liquid, an energy generator 201, a container 301, wings or astirrer 401, a refrigerating cycle 500 and a control unit 600 (shown inFIG. 21).

In the storing tank 101 for storing a supercooled liquid, a liquid isstored and supercooled. In this embodiment, the storing tank 101 forstoring the supercooled liquid is hollowed to store the liquid. Adischarge hole 111 is formed to supply the supercooled liquid to thecontainer 301, and a valve 121 for opening and closing the dischargehole 111 is formed on the discharge hole 111.

The energy generator 201 is positioned in the storing tank 101 forstoring the supercooled liquid, for supplying energy to maintain thesupercooled state of the liquid stored in the storing tank 101. In thisembodiment, the energy generator 201 is composed of electrodes which cangenerate an electric field by current flow. The energy generator 201includes a switch or an input unit 240 for supplying and blocking acurrent. The energy generator 201 includes a first electrode 211 and asecond electrode 221 to generate the electric field. The first electrode211 and the second electrode 221 are installed to face each other in thestoring tank 101 for storing the supercooled liquid.

The container 301 is supplied with the supercooled liquid through thedischarge hole 111 of the storing tank 101 for storing the supercooledliquid. Here, the container 301 is disposed at the lower portion of thestoring tank 101 and supplied with the supercooled liquid through thedischarge hole 111. In addition, the container 301 includes an insulator321 for externally insulating the supercooled liquid from the storingtank 101. The insulator 321 covers at least a part of the container 301.In this embodiment, in order to maximally intercept external heattransmission to the supercooled liquid, the insulator 321 preferablycovers the whole externally exposed surfaces of the container 301.

The wings 401 are rotated relatively to the container 301. In thisembodiment, the wings 401 are installed in the container 301 andconnected to a motor 421 to receive rotating force. Here, the wings 401apply an external force to the supercooled liquid contained in thecontainer 301, for phase-converting the supercooled liquid into slush,and continuously stirring the slush to maintain the slush state. Forthis, the wings 401 are formed in a screw shape, so that the supercooledliquid can flow to the front or rear portion of the wings 401. Inaddition, as shown in FIG. 22, the wings 401 can be formed in a rod orplate shape.

The wings 401 are rotated relatively to the container 301. Therefore, itis also possible to fix the wings 401 and rotate the container 301.

The refrigerating cycle 500 includes a compressor 520 for compressingrefrigerants, a heat exchange unit 540 for exchanging heat byevaporating the compressed refrigerants, a condenser 560 for condensingthe heat-exchanged refrigerants, and a fan 580 for cooling the condenser560. The refrigerating cycle 500 supplies cool air to the storing tank101 for storing the supercooled liquid and the container 301. The heatexchange unit 540 is installed at one side of the storing tank 101 andthe container 301, for supplying the cool air to the storing tank 101and the container 301.

FIG. 21 is a block diagram illustrating the structure of the apparatusfor supercooling in accordance with the eighth embodiment of the presentinvention. The control unit 600 is connected to the energy generator201, for controlling power supplied from a power supply unit 241 to theenergy generator 201 according to the operation of the switch or theinput unit 240, thereby controlling energy generation of the energygenerator 201. Moreover, the control unit 600 is connected to the motor421, for controlling power supplied to the motor 421, therebycontrolling rotation of the wings 401. The control unit 600 can controlrotation of the wings 401 to convert the supercooled liquid into theslush or to maintain the slush state. The control unit 600 is alsoconnected to the compressor 520, for controlling power supplied to thecompressor 520, thereby adjusting cooling force of refrigerants andcontrolling cool air supplied to the storing tank 101 for storing thesupercooled liquid or the container 301.

The operation of the apparatus for supercooling in accordance with theeighth embodiment of the present invention will now be described.

After the liquid is stored in the storing tank 101 for storing thesupercooled liquid, the control unit 600 cools the liquid by increasingcooling force of refrigerants by controlling the compressor 520 of therefrigerating cycle 500, and simultaneously or sequentially supercoolsthe liquid by supplying energy to the storing tank 101 for storing thesupercooled liquid through the energy generator 201 by controlling powersupplied to the energy generator 201. Since the electric field generatedby the first electrode 211 and the second electrode 221 is formed in thestoring tank 101 for storing the supercooled liquid, the liquid issupercooled.

When the supercooled liquid is supplied from the storing tank 101 to thecontainer 301 through the discharge hole 111 formed on the storing tank101, the control unit 600 applies the external force to the supercooledliquid contained in the container 301 by supplying power to the motor421. Accordingly, the supercooled liquid is phase-converted into theslush. At the same time, the wings 401 are continuously rotated to makethe slush flow, thereby maintaining the slush state.

An apparatus for supercooling in accordance with a ninth embodiment ofthe present invention will now be explained.

FIG. 23 is a structure view illustrating the apparatus for supercoolingin accordance with the ninth embodiment of the present invention, andFIG. 24 is a block diagram illustrating the structure of the apparatusfor supercooling in accordance with the ninth embodiment of the presentinvention. Same reference numerals are used for same elements as thoseof the eighth embodiment of the present invention, and explanationsthereof are omitted.

The apparatus for supercooling further includes a phase converter 450.The phase converter 450 applies an external force to a condenser 301 toconvert a supercooled liquid into a solid phase. In this embodiment, thephase converter 450 is comprised of an electric igniter, and exposed tothe inside of the container 301, for applying an electric stimulus tothe supercooled liquid contained in the container 301. In addition, thephase converter 450 is connected to a control unit 600, so that thecontrol unit 600 can control power supplied to the phase converter 450.Therefore, when the supercooled liquid is supplied from a storing tank101 for storing the supercooled liquid to the container 301, the phaseconverter 450 converts the supercooled liquid into slush by applying anelectric shock to the supercooled liquid. The eighth embodiment of thepresent invention does not include the phase converter 450, but suppliesthe supercooled liquid to the container 301 or converts the liquid intothe slush by the wings 401.

An apparatus for supercooling in accordance with a tenth embodiment ofthe present invention will now be described.

FIG. 25 is a structure view illustrating the apparatus for supercoolingin accordance with the tenth embodiment of the present invention. Samereference numerals are used for same elements as those of the eighthembodiment of the present invention, and explanations thereof areomitted.

A container 301 containing a liquid is supplied with cool air from arefrigerating cycle 500. The container 301 includes an insulator 321 tointercept external heat exchange. The insulator 321 covers at least apart of the container 301. In order to maximally intercept external heatexchange of the container 301, the insulator 321 preferably covers thewhole externally exposed surfaces of the container 301.

The refrigerating cycle 500 is formed as described in the eighthembodiment of the present invention, for supplying cool air to thecontainer 301.

An energy generator 201 is installed in the container 301. When theliquid contained in the container 301 is cooled by cool air from therefrigerating cycle 500, the energy generator 201 supplies energy tomaintain the supercooled state. The energy generator 201 generates anelectric field to form the electric field in the container 301, andincludes a first electrode 211 and a second electrode 221. Here, thefirst electrode 211 and the second electrode 221 are installed to faceeach other to generate the electric field. Here, wings 401 can performthe function of the energy generator 201. In this case, the firstelectrode 211 and the second electrode 221 are omitted, and the wings401 serve as the electrodes.

When the liquid is supplied to the container 301, the refrigeratingcycle 500 is operated to supply cool air to the container 301, therebycooling the liquid. The liquid is simultaneously or sequentiallysupercooled by forming the electric field in the container 301 bysupplying power to the energy generator 210. As the wings 401 arerotated, the supercooled liquid in the container 301 is converted intoslush by an external force. Since the slush is stirred by the rotatedwings 401, the slush is not frozen. The wings 401 phase-convert thesupercooled liquid contained in the container 301 into the slush byapplying the external force to the supercooled liquid, and maintain theslush state by continuously stirring the slush. Also, if the wings 401are slowly rotated, the state of the supercooled liquid can bemaintained. A control unit 600 controls a motor 421 to differentlyadjust the revolution number of the wings 401 in regard to thesupercooled liquid and the slush.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

In accordance with the present invention, the apparatus for supercoolingcan be applied to a refrigerator, a refrigerator including a dispenser,a Kimchi refrigerator and a slush apparatus.

1. An apparatus for supercooling, comprising: a supercooled liquid; acool air supplier for supplying cool air to the supercooled liquid; anenergy generator for supplying energy, which interrupts hydrogen bondingof water consisting of oxygen and hydrogen, to the supercooled liquid tomaintain the supercooled state; and a regulator for regulating aquantity of energy supplied to the supercooled liquid by the energygenerator.
 2. The apparatus for supercooling of claim 1, furthercomprising an cutlet for discharging the supercooled liquid.
 3. Theapparatus for supercooling of claim 2, further comprising a valve foropening and closing the outlet.
 4. The apparatus for supercooling ofclaim 1, further comprising a panel cooperating with at least one of thecool air supplier and the energy generator, for controlling atemperature of the supercooled liquid.
 5. The apparatus for supercoolingof claim 1, further comprising a phase converter for converting thesupercooled liquid into a solid phase.
 6. The apparatus for supercoolingof claim 5, further comprising an outlet for discharging slush made byconverting the supercooled liquid into the solid phase.
 7. The apparatusfor supercooling of claim 1, further comprising a container forcontaining the supercooled liquid.
 8. The apparatus for supercooling ofclaim 1, further comprising a wing rotated relatively to the container.9. The apparatus for supercooling of claim 1, further comprising anenergy generator for supplying energy to the container to make thesupercooled liquid in the container.
 10. The apparatus for supercoolingof claim 1, further comprising a storing tank for storing thesupercooled liquid to supply the supercooled liquid to the container.11. The apparatus for supercooling of claim 1, further comprising aphase converter for phase-converting the supercooled liquid into slush.12. An apparatus for supercooling, comprising: a supercooled liquid; anda phase converter for converting the supercooled liquid into a solidphase, wherein the phase converter is an electric igniter for applyingan electric shock to the supercooled liquid.
 13. The apparatus forsupercooling of claim 12, further comprising an electrode for supplyingelectric energy to the supercooled liquid to maintain the supercooledstate.
 14. An apparatus for supercooling, comprising: a passage throughwhich a supercooled liquid flows; a phase converter for applying anexternal force to convert the supercooled liquid flowing through thepassage into a solid phase; a water tank disposed on the passage andcontaining the supercooled liquid; an electrode for applying an electricfield to the water tank; and an electric igniter for applying anelectric force to the supercooled liquid in the water tank.
 15. Theapparatus for supercooling of claim 14, further comprising an energygenerator for supplying energy to the supercooled liquid to maintain thesupercooled state.
 16. The apparatus for supercooling of claim 14,further comprising a cool air supplier for supplying cool air to thesupercooled liquid.
 17. The apparatus for supercooling of claim 14,wherein the passage comprises an electric field applied region.
 18. Theapparatus for supercooling of claim 14, further comprising an electrodefor applying an electric field to the water tank.
 19. The apparatus forsupercooling of claim 16, which is a refrigerator including arefrigerating cycle, and wherein the cool air supplier is therefrigerating cycle of the refrigerator.
 20. The apparatus forsupercooling of claim 14, which is a refrigerator including a freezingchamber opened and closed by a door, and wherein the passage comprisesan outlet of the supercooled liquid, and the outlet is formed at thedoor of the freezing chamber.
 21. The apparatus for supercooling ofclaim 14, which is a refrigerator including a freezing chamber which isopened and closed by a door and has an ice maker, and wherein the doorof the freezing chamber comprises an outlet region for discharging icemade in the ice maker and the supercooled liquid.
 22. The apparatus forsupercooling of claim 21, wherein the door of the freezing chambercomprises a button for selecting discharge of ice and a button forselecting opening of the passage.
 23. The apparatus for supercooling ofclaim 15, which is a refrigerator including a refrigerating chamber, andwherein the energy generator is installed in the refrigerating chamberside.
 24. The apparatus for supercooling of claim 23, wherein the energygenerator is installed at a door of the refrigerating chamber.
 25. Theapparatus for supercooling of claim 14, wherein a valve for opening andclosing the passage is formed on the passage upstream of the energygenerator.
 26. An apparatus for supercooling, comprising: a storingchamber for supplying cool air; a passage formed to lower a temperatureof a liquid by the cool air of the storing chamber, on which an outletfor discharging the liquid is formed; a door on which the outlet of thepassage is formed; an energy generator positioned on the passage, forsupplying energy to supercool the liquid, the energy generator includinga regulator for regulating a quantity of energy to be supplied; and apanel formed on the door, for selecting a state of the supercooledliquid.
 27. The apparatus for supercooling of claim 26, wherein theenergy generator comprises an electrode for forming an electric field,and the regulator regulates the intensity of the electric field.
 28. Theapparatus for supercooling of claim 26, further comprising a cool airregulator for regulating the cool air of the storing chamber supplied tothe passage according to selection of the panel.
 29. The apparatus forsupercooling of claim 26, further comprising a phase converter forapplying an external force to the supercooled liquid to convert thesupercooled liquid into a solid phase before being discharged throughthe outlet.
 30. The apparatus for supercooling of claim 26, furthercomprising a support positioned at the lower portion of the outlet at apredetermined interval to convert the supercooled liquid dischargedthrough the outlet into a solid phase by potential energy.
 31. Anapparatus for supercooling, comprising: a container for containing slushmade by converting a supercooled liquid into a solid phase; arefrigerating cycle for supplying cool air to the container; and a wingrotated relatively to the container, wherein the container comprises anenergy generator for supplying energy, which interrupts hydrogen bondingof water consisting of oxygen and hydrogen, to maintain the supercooledliquid in the supercooled state, and the supercooled liquid is generatedin the container, and wherein the container comprises a phase converterfor applying an external force to convert the supercooled liquid into asolid phase.
 32. The apparatus for supercooling of claim 31, furthercomprising a storing tank for storing the supercooled liquid, thestoring tank being positioned to supply the supercooled liquid to thecontainer.
 33. The apparatus for supercooling of claim 32, wherein thestoring tank for storing the supercooled liquid comprises an energygenerator for supplying energy to maintain the liquid in the supercooledstate.
 34. The apparatus for supercooling of claim 33, wherein theenergy generator comprises a switch for intercepting energy supply. 35.The apparatus for supercooling of claim 31, wherein at least a part ofthe container is covered with an insulator.
 36. The apparatus forsupercooling of claim 31, wherein the wing is formed in a rod shape. 37.An apparatus for supercooling, comprising: a container for containing asupercooled liquid; a refrigerating cycle for supplying cool air to thecontainer; and a phase converter for applying an external force to thecontainer to convert the supercooled liquid into a solid phase, whereinthe container comprises an energy generator for supplying energy, whichinterrupts hydrogen bonding of water consisting of oxygen and hydrogen,to maintain the supercooled liquid in the supercooled state, and thesupercooled liquid is generated in the container.
 38. The apparatus forsupercooling of claim 37, further comprising a stirrer rotatedrelatively to the container.
 39. The apparatus for supercooling of claim37, further comprising a storing tank for storing the supercooledliquid, the storing tank being positioned to supply the supercooledliquid to the container.